What's the best way to prepare for this Andes hike?

StormWarrior

In a year's time, I want to go on a really difficult hike with a tour guide through the Argentinian and Chilean Andes. Obviously, I need to get as fit and ready as possible. The problem is that I live in a town where the walking paths are not very arduous at all. In fact none of the surrounding areas have difficult walks. There are some hills and fields and beaches but that's it. I would have to travel really far further afield to find any different landscape and that is just out of the question as I don't drive.

Can anyone advise me how best to use the landscape I have available to prepare for the Andes hike?

hmmm

Is there a hiking club in the area? Someone there may be able to give you a lift to the mountains.

I notice in our club that people who are cyclists seem to find the fitness side of hiking easier than runners. Something to keep in mind.

If your hike is Torres del Paine or similar you'll need to make sure you have good rain and windproof gear and know how to use it (layering etc, how to keep yourself dry and warm - e.g. you don't want to wait till you're there to find your gloves let in water after an hour). It's an amazingly beautiful place but the wind in particular can be ferocious.

keenan110

I'd agree with the above comment, i cycle a lot and find that my fitness from cycling is a massive help out on the hills. It can really improve overall cardio fitness and stamina.

StormWarrior

I've actually thought about taking up cycling for this purpose. The thing that's stopped me is that I hate cycling! I'll definitely think about it though.

Tonyandthewhale

Cycling can also help you get to the mountains if you don't have a car. Do 100km out, hiking/fell running, 100km home, you'll appreciate dinner and it's a pretty good work out. Also, if the terrain near you isn't challenging enough at a normal pace then upping your intensity can improve your training. Do laps, time yourself, set targets and you'll set yourself in good stead, just remember that you're supposed to be having fun as that approach can be a little tedious.

StormWarrior

I've been thinking about it overnight, and I don't think I want to take up cycling. I'm really bad it it, I find it very uncomfortable and I really don't enjoy it at all, it would be a chore. I don't even have a bike, I'd have to buy one and I'm trying to save every penny right now. I also read that it's better to practise at the sport you're actually going to be doing, for the best results. Does anyone have any suggestions about how I can get as fit as possible for the trek just from walking around here? I've thought of walking the hiliest routes possible, for as long as possible whilst carrying a heavy pack but I wonder if there's anything else I can do. I won't be doing any running though as it makes an old sports injury flare up.

StormWarrior

Also, how should I build up without getting injured? I haven't been doing any exercise lately, I don't want to suddenly start doing loads and hurt myself. How many days a week?

Tonyandthewhale

How many days a week you train depends on your current level of fitness and what exactly your training routine entails.
Best way to get in shape and avoid injury is probably to make an exercise plan which allows you to train regular and build up slowly. The key is not to push yourself too hard at the early stages but stay consistent.
Also, swimming is supposed to be a good way of getting all-round exercise without too much risk of injury.
I'd also advise you to get a proffessional opinion on how far you should be pushing yourself with that injury and what you should be doing to avoid aggravating it.

Evil Phil

Walk.

Seriously, walking is what you need to do. Lots of it too, but build up slowly.

StormWarrior

Thanks for the advice everyone, but I've just found out that they've changed the trip that I want to go on. It's not a hiking trip any more, now they ride horses the whole way instead! Now that i don't need to worry about getting super-fit any more, I am going to try and get a bank loan to see if I can go this January instead of next!

Hugh_C

I was going to ask your age and the height you were expecting to trek to in the Andes before your last post. Altitude is an issue and the younger you are, the more of an issue it is.

This doesn't seem to apply in your case but I wouldn't discount how uncomfortable it's going to be on the back of a horse for prolonged periods of time. H

Takeshi_Kovacs

Cycling will be good for your endurance and fitness, but be sure to supplement it with weight lifting like squats to maintain bone density and strong muscles, as cycling tends to diminish bone density. Also for hard treks like what you intend on going on, best exercise is just plenty of walking and hiking, take stairs wherever instead of elevator etc
Try weighting your backpack down with containers of water on a hike, when your get to top of the hike, you can empty the water and have a lighter pack on descent, which will be easier on your knees

Yeasayer

Evil Phil wrote: »

Walk.

Seriously, walking is what you need to do. Lots of it too, but build up slowly.

I would agree with you on this. When I went to South America a few years ago I did a good bit of walking in the Andes (including the Inca Trail) and beforehand I just did a lot of walking here in Ireland.

Probably the most important thing is to make sure you give yourself time to aclimatise to the high altitude. If anything, that will affect you more than fitness. Don't head over there and then start walking a day or two after arriving...I saw so many people who suffered badly from altitude sickness because they didn't spend enough time getting used to the conditions.